The Ultimate Guide to DIY Floating Shelves: 12 Creative Ideas

If you’re looking to add some stylish storage solutions to your home, DIY floating shelves are a fantastic option. These shelves give off a modern, sleek look as they appear to “float” on the wall, with the hardware cleverly hidden from view. While they may seem more complicated to build than traditional wall shelves, they are still a great project for beginner builders. Plus, they are a quick project, so you’ll get to enjoy your new shelves sooner rather than later.

You can place these DIY floating shelves anywhere in your home, whether it’s the bathroom, living room, or even the laundry room. They are versatile and can serve as a home for decorative items, books, or as general storage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 12 creative DIY floating shelf ideas that you can try out in your own home.

Easiest DIY Floating Shelves

If you’re new to DIY projects, the Easiest DIY Floating Shelves from Bitterroot DIY are a great place to start. These classic shelves can complement any room in your home, and the tutorial takes you through the entire process, including achieving a white oak finish on the shelves.

Hexagon and Triangle Shelves

For a unique twist on traditional floating shelves, consider building Hexagon and Triangle Shelves from My Love 2 Create. These geometric shapes add visual interest to any space and can be built for under $10 each. While they may be a bit more challenging to construct, they are worth the effort for the striking design they bring to a room.

Laundry Room Floating Shelves

Create a practical storage solution for your laundry room with Floating Shelves from Thrifty and Chic. By installing long floating shelves above the washer and dryer, you can add extra storage space while following the open shelf trend. The building process may differ slightly from other tutorials, but it’s easy to follow and customize to fit your space perfectly.

Hoop Shelf

For a truly unique floating shelf, try the Hoop Shelf from A Beautiful Mess. This shelf features dividers above and below the actual shelf, which are wrapped with DPI board to create a hoop design. Despite its intricate appearance, this shelf is simpler to build than it looks and will surely make a statement in any room.

Wood and Leather Towel Shelf

Maximize storage space in your bathroom with the Wood and Leather Towel Shelf from The Merrythought. This shelf combines functionality with style, featuring a wood shelf for decorative items or necessities and leather loops for holding rolled-up towels. If you’re looking to declutter your bathroom, this shelf may be the perfect solution.

How to Build a Floating Shelf

If you’re in need of a substantial shelf for your TV or mantel, check out the How to Build a Floating Shelf tutorial from Refresh Restyle. This project provides detailed instructions for creating a large shelf that can enhance any space where you want to make a statement.

Sunrise Floating Shelf

Give your bathroom a makeover with the Sunrise Floating Shelf from Remodeaholic. This free plan includes a floating shelf that covers a circular mirror, providing a stylish and functional storage solution for your bathroom. Even if you don’t include the mirror, you can follow the building directions to create a versatile shelf for any room.

Natural Wood Floating Alcove Shelves

Utilize unused alcoves or wall niches in your home with Natural Wood Floating Alcove Shelves from Designing Vibes. These shelves transform seemingly unusable areas into storage spaces for books, knick-knacks, or any other items you’d like to display. With a touch of natural wood, these shelves add warmth and character to your home.

Pallet Shelf

Add a touch of rustic charm to your home with a Pallet Shelf from A Piece of Rainbow. This unique floating shelf is constructed from repurposed pallet wood, making it an eco-friendly and budget-friendly project. While it’s showcased here as a charging station, you can customize the shelf to suit your needs and style.

Round Floating Corner Shelves

Don’t overlook the corners of your rooms – make them a focal point with Round Floating Corner Shelves from Bitterroot DIY. These rounded shelves fit perfectly in corner spaces, providing a fun and stylish way to display your favorite decor items.

Magnetic Wooden Shelf

For a quick and easy floating shelf project, try the Magnetic Wooden Shelf from The Merrythought. With just a few magnets, you can securely fasten this shelf to the wall, making it a great option for dorm rooms or apartments. This simple project can be completed in just five minutes, making it perfect for those looking for a fast DIY fix.

Faux DIY Floating Shelves

If you want the look of floating shelves without the visible brackets, consider making Faux DIY Floating Shelves from A Piece of Rainbow. With some wood, brackets, and finishing touches, you can create a stylish shelf that adds a touch of elegance to any room. This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions and plenty of visuals to guide you through the process.

Conclusion

DIY floating shelves are a versatile and stylish addition to any home, providing both practical storage solutions and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or new to the world of woodworking, there’s a floating shelf project for everyone. From classic designs to unique shapes and innovative storage solutions, these 12 DIY floating shelf ideas offer something for every taste and skill level.

So roll up your sleeves, gather your tools, and get ready to transform your space with these creative and functional DIY floating shelves. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create custom shelves that reflect your personal style and enhance the beauty of your home. Happy building!